NOVEL NEXT Chapter 58
Chapter 58
Belial swept through the 68th floor in an instant. With his rage, the 68th floor turned into a sea of flames, and while seated on the throne that once belonged to Dekarabia, one of the Four Fires, Eris reported to him.
“We have occupied most of the territory.”
“Have you found the Celestial Stone Mine?”
“I’m sorry, Your Majesty. Not yet.”
“What about the movements on the 69th floor?”
“There hasn’t been any significant movement, but we have confirmed that Citri has visited the 69th floor.”
“Then they will soon act.”
Listening to Eris’s report and expressing his thoughts, Belial suddenly narrowed his eyes and asked her.
“Is the report over?”
“Ah, yes. It is.”
“Then you may step out for a moment. I will call for you again shortly.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Eris politely withdrew, and Belial, left alone, turned his gaze toward the right corner of the audience room. There, a darkness lay thick.
“I thought you had fled since there was no news.”
“Surely that cannot be the case.”
The figure that emerged from the darkness was the man who had previously said he would investigate the incident for Belial. He folded his bat-like black wings and bowed respectfully.
“It has been a long time, Your Majesty.”
“Yes, it has truly been a while….”
The name slipped from Belial’s lips.
“Abaddon.”
“Ah, you even remember my name.”
“So, have you brought any good news?”
At Belial’s question, Abaddon grinned. The demon slowly opened his mouth, and a sinister voice that might have entrapped several people oozed from his throat.
“Actually, there has been a problem regarding that.”
“A problem? Did you not figure it out after all?”
“No, I did find out its ‘identity.’ It is so famous that there is no one in Hell who doesn’t know about it.”
Belial was slightly surprised. Though he couldn’t see well in the darkness, he distinctly felt that Abaddon had trembled for a moment.
“…What is that reaction?”
“I will speak frankly, Your Majesty. Stop this war.”
“What do you mean?”
“And wait for my master to take action.”
Belial frowned deeply. He growled and shouted.
“Are you telling me to reach out to Hell?”
“You must do so.”
“Explain why I must do that and then tell me to back off!”
It was an incomprehensible demand from Belial’s perspective. Naturally, a reasonable explanation that he could accept was needed; he wanted Abaddon to share that story, but….
“…I cannot tell you that. Please understand that I am unable to speak until my master gives permission. Otherwise, I will meet a cruel death.”
“Is the identity of the one who attacked my soldiers also?”
“Yes.”
The desired answer did not come. Belial furrowed his brow and shouted at him.
“I will not accept your proposal! I cannot allow you to ask me to back off without giving me a proper explanation! No matter how great your master is, the matters of the 67th floor are for me to decide!”
Belial’s pupils glowed red. The surroundings were instantly engulfed in fierce, hot flames.
“I will teach that insolent one exactly what they have touched! I will show them that reality is much harsher and more fearsome!”
“……”
Abaddon raised his bowed head. And indeed, Belial was not a demon king who could be reduced to a lowly position in such a high floor. His power was not something even Abaddon could easily disregard but….
“…If that is Your Majesty’s will, I will not persuade you further. However, I advise you to remember my words, as it would be best for you to reverse your position at any time.”
“I want to hear no more! You should return to your master!”
“Yes, I shall.”
As Abaddon concealed his body back into the darkness, he spoke.
“We will see who realizes reality.”
As Abaddon vanished, Belial took a deep breath and withdrew the flames. He calmed his rage and, after some thought, intended to call Eris back inside.
“Eris, come in….”
“Your Majesty!”
Before he had finished speaking, Eris hurriedly opened the door to the audience room and entered. Belial frowned at her rude behavior, but Eris, despite being very apologetic, did not retreat.
“I’m sorry, Your Majesty! Please forgive my rudeness. However, I must urgently inform you of something!”
“…What is it?”
“The army of Seere von Debata has crossed over to the 68th floor!”
“Ah….”
The fact that the news reached so quickly indicated that they had made no concealment when coming here. They were openly moving their army to confront him.
“And they sent this letter to Your Majesty.”
“…A letter?”
Belial directly received the letter from Eris. As he unfolded it, Belial narrowed his eyes sharply.
—
“Belial, the Demon King of the 67th floor, listen!
I, Seere von Debata, will judge you, the one who has heinously slaughtered the residents of the 68th floor, as one of the lords of the Demon World. This is a just punishment in vengeance for all the demon race members who were unjustly sacrificed! I will behead you and hang your head in the plaza of the 68th floor to honor the spirits of the slaughtered residents!
It does not matter whether you confront us directly or hide in your castle like a coward. The result that I will claim your head will remain unchanged.
Prepare for your end.”
—
Having read the letter, Belial let out a hollow laugh in disbelief. He pressed his thumb against his forehead momentarily and then burst into laughter.
“Ah, so they are begging for death.”
“Your Majesty.”
“Prepare for deployment. I will ensure that her fate is the same as her father’s.”
“…Understood!”
—
“Seere.”
“Yes, Teacher.”
Next to Nahun stood Seere, dressed smartly in the demon king’s ceremonial attire. Unlike her recent appearances, Seere had not adorned herself today. Other than wearing the ceremonial attire and a cape, she had a large greatsword at her waist and bracelets on her wrists.
It was to prepare for battle. The battle between demon kings was imminent. As Seere faced this apprehension and excitement, a trace of tension showed in her expression, yet there was also a glimpse of confidence.
Nahun asked with slight concern.
“Are you alright?”
“Yes?”
“You haven’t had much special training due to the time constraints.”
“Oh, that? Of course, I’m fine.”
Seere smiled brightly.
“Since you have taught me so much normally, I am confident.”
Nahun was slightly taken aback. In the eyes of this young demon king, there was an immense confidence. Knowing that it was not baseless confidence made it all the more surprising for Nahun.
‘…That’s a look I haven’t seen in the game.’
One primary reason for playing simulation games was undoubtedly the sense of achievement. Players feel accomplished as their developed characters grow splendidly.
But in reality, that sense of achievement was magnified. Nahun felt pride swelling up involuntarily and gently placed his hand on her head. He carefully stroked her hair, making sure not to touch her horns, and Seere smiled sweetly in appreciation.
“Your role is very important, Seere. As two demon kings face off, the outcome will decide this war.”
“Yes, I am aware of that.”
“If things get dangerous, call me.” Nahun intended to say this, but after a moment of contemplation, he swallowed the words. This was the first battle that she had expressed her desire for and promised to prepare herself. Nahun had already granted her permission, so the outcome of this battle could greatly influence Seere’s growth in the future.
‘So I should trust her more.’
It would be better to refrain from expressing worries about Seere’s defeat. Instead, it would be better to support her victory.
“I believe in you. You will be fine.”
“…Yes, Teacher.”
Seere grasped Nahun’s hand softly while keeping her smile and spoke with a gentle gaze.
“I will definitely meet your expectations.”
“Alright.”
It was a smile that would captivate anyone. The maturity of her appearance at the age of twelve made it even more so. Anyone who saw this smile would easily discern the feelings Seere held for Nahun.
But Nahun interpreted it completely differently.
‘This child truly cherishes my teachings.’
Thus, hearing such affectionate words, Nahun felt a genuine sense of fulfillment in teaching her. Just then, someone approached from behind Nahun.
“Nahun, we are ready.”
“We have finished on our end too.”
It was Citri. She glanced at Seere, who was beside Nahun, and then subtly asked her.
“Seere, are you sure you’re okay?”
“Yes, Citri.”
“…May I give you one piece of advice?”
“Of course. I would appreciate that.”
As Seere welcomed her, Citri spoke cautiously.
“Belial is skilled in handling fire, as suggested by his moniker. Frankly, he is not that proficient in other types of magic, but he can unleash fire-type magic to the extent that he can skip incantation. That’s how genius-level he is.”
Considering that modern magic, in contrast to ancient magic, usually requires two or more verses for incantation, it was clear that Belial’s understanding of fire magic was phenomenal. Although omitting incantation would lower its power, the difference in casting speed was so significant that Seere had to be cautious.
While Nahun could skip incantation even for ancient magic, it could be a threat to Seere, who had not yet reached that level. Nahun also gave Seere this warning, and she nodded in acknowledgment.
“Yes, I know that.”
“But you see, people often misunderstand that a bit. After all, Belial’s flames are magic-created flames, so essentially, they are based on magic power, not natural flames. So….”
Both Seere and Nahun sensed what Citri was hinting at, realizing it at almost the same moment.
“I understand what you mean, Citri.”
“…Indeed.”
Citri looked at Seere for a moment. It was impressive that this once small child had now grown to confront Belial directly. A child who seemed destined to remain forever in the shadow of Seir von Debata had now become a reliable ally.
“Be careful.”
“Thank you for the advice.”
“Citri, Seere.”
At that moment, someone rushed in. Despite the hurrying appearance, the voice belonged to a robust man who seemed remarkably calm. He was Albert, the third-ranked general in Citri’s army.
“Belial’s army has appeared.”
At that report, the three became serious. Seere drew her sword, Blood Tears, from her waist and said.
“Citri, I’ll leave the command to you and Teacher.”
“Understood.”
Just as Albert reported, Seere began to catch sight of it. The countless troops swirling together and the figure of the fire demon king, Belial, leading them.
Despite witnessing this scene, Seere smiled and greeted Nahun.
“I’ll be back, Teacher!”
—
Seere set out for the battlefield. Nahun and Citri also planned to head to the battlefield. Naturally, they had to take command. But first, there was something to prepare.
“So what’s the concrete tactic? I induced rotations according to your wishes, but you need to tell me your thoughts to direct them correctly.”
“I’ll go with the most straightforward ‘Hammer and Anvil’ tactic.”
“That’s a bit too basic.”
The ‘Hammer and Anvil’ tactic is a kind of encirclement strategy. The infantry would act as the anvil, holding back the enemy while a mobile and powerful cavalry-style unit would serve as the hammer, truly crushing the enemy forces.
“Does Belial not realize this?”
It was a well-known and fundamental tactic referred to as the textbook case of a pitched battle on the plains. Just because it was a famous tactic meant it was effective. Of course, it was not without countermeasures, and it had its weaknesses, so it was not infallible. Especially since it was so famous that opponents could easily pick up on it. But….
“Ultimately, it’s a matter of breaking them before they realize what’s happening. If the hammer lands before they can perceive its descent, it will smash them.”
“…What?”
“We have a unit that can perform the role of the hammer better than anyone else.”
Citri’s eyes widened. Then she somewhat grasped Nahun’s story.
“…Is it possible with just them?”
“Doesn’t Your Majesty have quite excellent soldiers? Those who have served you for a long time….”
“How do you know about that? No one knew it was hidden….”
“My information network is extensive.”
As Citri had her powers sealed, most of her forces were either slaughtered or scattered. However, during that time, Citri had secretly redirected some troops, concealing their deaths and brought them back under new names and identities.
The captain of Citri’s forces, Belkarus, and the legion he led were those troops. Contrary to their name, the 1st Legion had a mere 3,000 troops. Even fewer than Seere’s 4th Legion.
But this was the best that Citri could manage to redirect, and they continued to serve her to this day. Even changing their names and identities. While they were numerically and slightly less powerful than Seere’s 4th Legion, they were once soldiers under Citri’s command who had held the 12th rank. It was true that they were far superior to regular soldiers.
“They should be more than capable of fulfilling the role of the hammer when joining forces with our 4th Legion.”
“Understood, let’s do that.”
While Citri accepted Nahun’s strategy, she was curious how he knew something that no one had mentioned. The more she thought about it, the more she felt the need to maintain the alliance with Nahun, yet his identity remained a mystery.
“What’s wrong?”
“…It’s nothing.”
Thinking that she would come to learn the truth someday, Citri decided to focus on resolving the immediate situation.